By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir has reasserted his administration zeal to partner with the federal government as well as developmental agencies towards addressing maternal, neonatal and child deaths in the state.
The governor disclosed this when he chaired the launching of Adherence to maternal multiple micronutrients supplements MMS project held at the banquet hall of the Government house Bauchi.
The Project which will be implemented by Nutrition International in collaboration with the Federal and states Ministry of health is aimed at addressing nutritional gaps services and supplements among pregnant women and under five children in some selected piloting states including Bauchi.
Speaking during the launching of the project, The state Governor Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir said his administration has achieved a tremendous success in reducing the rate of maternal neonatal and children deaths within the last five years.
This is In addition to the provision of state of art equipment for General Hospitals across the state, and sustainable of the above Abuja declaration of 16% in the state budgetry allocation to the healthcare sector.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the state Government disclosed that effort are in top gear to address Manpower gap and extension of the Rehabilitation and construction to other Centers of the state.
The Governor applauded the support of stakeholders especially the International organizations for supporting the state while promised to maintain the prompt payment of counter fund as well as the provision of an enabling environment for their activities to thrive.
In his address the state commissioner of health Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo said Bauchi State indices for anemia in women of reproductive age is at 68.6% hence the need for the introduction of MMS and gradual transition from using iron folic acid to MMS as the new approach will seek to prevent or reduce prevalence of maternal anemia if properly implemented.
He explained that The Nutrition International which is been funded by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation has provided 90,000 bottles of MMS and are currently available in the state Central and Zonal stores, pending the commencement of the distribution for the three piloted Local government areas of Dass, Ganjuwa and Giade.
Introducing the the project to the Governor, The country Director, Nutrition International Dr. Osita Samuel Okwonkwo said Since 2007, Nutrition international has been working closely with government agencies, partners and key stakeholders in Nigeria to implement lifesaving and life-enhancing nutrition interventions.
Adding that Nigeria is experiencing a double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, exists alongside overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting LGAs The Executive chairman, Giade Local government Usman Muhammad Saleh commended the Governor and Donor Agency The Nutrition International for choosen Giade Local government as part of the pioneer Council to benefit from the project.
